COUNCIL bosses in charge of licensing said the safety of the city’s taxi drivers was a priority.

They were discussing a report by the West Midlands Police Taxi Advisory Group, which was set up following the killing of 36-year-old Mohammed Arshad, who was repeatedly stabbed in the head in a country lane after picking up a passenger in July.

Licensing manager Emma Rohomon told a committee meeting that drivers felt strongly they should have CCTV in their cars.

Calls to install the cameras, along with driver shields, were made in a discussion focusing on driver safety and security at one of its monthly meetings at police headquarters in Lloyd House.

Coun Bruce Lines (Con, Bartley Green) said: “We are prioritising the safety of drivers just as much as the public. We always have done; we always will do.” But Coun Sue Barton (Con, Longbridge) said: “Who’s going to pick up the bill for CCTV cameras and shields?”